Using IM for long distance calls

[Russ Smith]

So I'm probably the last person on the planet to realize this but we just figured out that we can now contact my girlfriend's family in the Philippines using IM and a webcam! I bought the webcam for I think 50 bucks, could have bought a cheaper one but figured what the hey. We just got through talking to her family in Sacramento(we're in Cupertino) and are awaiting approval from 2 cousins in the Philippines to add us as contacts. Her family in Sacramento has already done this , the sound quality is just as good as a phone call they claim, for absolutely no cost once you buy the camera. This is very cool, no more having to buy a phone card with no idea how many minutes you actually get, or charging up our long distance bill. now we just have to get more of her family to get computers and internet over there and we'll never have to use a phone again to call over.

 

[CQ]

I think IM paired with a webcam is one of the best inventions! My kids and their grandparents in North Dakota have little webcam chat sessions a lot. It was also nice when their Uncle was overseas, he didn't have a webcam, only a mic and they would do voice chat with him and he could see them, see how big their getting.

I'm glad you've learned about this great trick!!!!!

 

[Russ Smith]

I think IM paired with a webcam is one of the best inventions! My kids and their grandparents in North Dakota have little webcam chat sessions a lot. It was also nice when their Uncle was overseas, he didn't have a webcam, only a mic and they would do voice chat with him and he could see them, see how big their getting.

I'm glad you've learned about this great trick!!!!!

I actually feel stupid that it never occurred to me earlier.When we were in the Philippines I was telling her family if you had a computer and broadband we could email you, even IM you. It never dawned on me about the webcam.

Her brother in law is the one that came up with the idea. And you're right, if one end just has an external mic, that's enough.

I guess Skype etc is supposed to be better, things like Firewalls and routers can interfere with this stuff working, but still a very cool thing.